We are in a post-PC world

[Cthulhux]

Originally Posted by Remah

I don't think that there is very much difference between 7 and 8

Technically they're quite similar, except that Windows 8 has a lot of old bloat removed. The only "problem" I have is that the Tiles stuff does interfere with my used-to workflow (being a Windows user since '96) and I can't turn it completely off. On a 24-or-higher-inch display without "touch" it is just annoying.

[Remah]

I don't see the Windows 8 menu very much. When I do - I haven't had to do it this week - I press the Windows key to get back to the desktop.

[J_L]

Forgot to mention Intel tablets, which shouldn't need as much code change for FreeBSD.

Anyways, Cthulhux, I think you're defining a tablet by its operating system rather than hardware. A tablet is basically a portable all-in-one PC (except usually ARM instead of x86). Although the manufacturer usually locks it down more, most of them are hackable.
The only limitations are a lack of USB ports, Blu-ray drives, internal storage, and more than 2 monitors. For an average workstation, the only possible deal-breaker is the full-sized USB port, which you generally don't find in tablets (there are adapters and built-in ones, but still uncommon).

As for Windows 8 Pro, it depends on personal preferences yet again. If I bought a machine with that OS, Classic Shell would be utilized instead of downgrading if the only lasting issue is the interface. There is a lot more underneath Metro, many of which Windows 7 users should feel familiar with or see as an improvement.

[Cthulhux]

Originally Posted by J_L

Anyways, Cthulhux, I think you're defining a tablet by its operating system rather than hardware.

I work with an operating system, not with hardware, so that's how it should be done, right?

Originally Posted by J_L

Classic Shell would be utilized instead of downgrading if the only lasting issue is the interface.

Classic Shell does not hide everything Metro-related - I still see Metro pop-ups where I had sane dialogs in Windows 7. Of course there are more improvements, but the disimprovements pretty much kill the joy. The desktop feels like a simulation - which is not too well if you prefer distraction-free work without having giant colorful <div>-like things floating over your applications.

[Remah]

Originally Posted by Cthulhux

I work with an operating system, not with hardware, so that's how it should be done, right?

Tablets are defined by the hardware configuration. Changing the OS does not change the category for which the device is classified.

[Cthulhux]

Switching from a desktop OS to a tablet OS just because the hardware has a similar power does not work.

[kendall.a]

Methinks the following:

The Blind Men and the Elephant


by John Godfrey Saxe (1816-1887)

http://www.constitution.org/col/blind_men.htm



It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.

The First approached the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
"God bless me! but the Elephant
Is very like a WALL!"

The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, "Ho, what have we here,
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 'tis mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a SPEAR!"

The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a SNAKE!"

The Fourth reached out an eager hand,
And felt about the knee
"What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain," quoth he:
"'Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a TREE!"

The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said: "E'en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a FAN!"

The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
Than seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a ROPE!"

And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!

[MidnightCowboy]

One thing my tech is currently experiencing is a deluge of folks with dropped/broken tablets that he cannot repair. Considering how difficult it is to drop a desktop , folks might wanna consider how bad the supposed top models are to service.

http://www.ifixit.com/Tablet_Repairability

[v.laurie]

Originally Posted by MidnightCowboy

One thing my tech is currently experiencing is a deluge of folks with dropped/broken tablets that he cannot repair. Considering how difficult it is to drop a desktop , folks might wanna consider how bad the supposed top models are to service.

http://www.ifixit.com/Tablet_Repairability

MC, that is interesting. Is it worth a Tech Tip?

[J_L]

Originally Posted by Cthulhux

I work with an operating system, not with hardware, so that's how it should be done, right?

Classic Shell does not hide everything Metro-related - I still see Metro pop-ups where I had sane dialogs in Windows 7. Of course there are more improvements, but the disimprovements pretty much kill the joy. The desktop feels like a simulation - which is not too well if you prefer distraction-free work without having giant colorful <div>-like things floating over your applications.

Actually one works with both, but I put emphasis on hardware because that's where the distinctions and restrictions lies. I don't think any tablet are completely locked down on any one OS, especially with virtualization (for iOS). I think I've given enough examples on that, x86 can run virtually anything, and ARM has more Linux distros than just Android. You said yourself the power is there, so the distinction between Desktop and Tablet OS is far less due to that.

I see your point, Metro is made for touchscreens after all. As an OS, I don't think it's lacking, and you can downgrade to Windows 7 or use x86 *nix on the Windows 8 Pro tablet. It's harder, but not impossible.